Estate planning should detail the transfer of ownership of all property, including homes in addition to the primary residence. When the location of vacation homes or second properties is outside the owner's state, the process can be more complicated. When creating an...
Estate Planning
When should I start estate planning?
The financial security of your family, particularly your children, is probably of utmost importance to you. Starting an estate plan is a typical first step toward ensuring that your precious loved ones will always have the support they need. If you have heard about...
How you should manage your executor
In the event of your passing, you should put a trustworthy executor in charge of your estate. This person will take care of everything from taxes to personal property to debts. Most importantly, your executor will distribute your belongings in the way that you prefer....
Can my ex inherit from my estate after our divorce?
A divorce forces you to chart a new course. Along with the immediate ramifications of dividing finances, debt, property and time with children, you may want to consider what may happen with your estate. Now that you are no longer married, you should update your estate...
3 key components every estate plan should have
If you count yourself among the many adults in California who do not yet have an estate plan, know that you do not have to expend considerable time, energy and expense to create an effective one. Instead, many people are able to accomplish their most important estate...
How a supplemental needs trust improves a child’s quality of life
If you have a child who has a disability, you may have some deep concerns about his or her ability to work. Not being able to pursue gainful employment, of course, may lead to a lifetime of financial insecurity. Fortunately, from Medicaid to Supplemental Security...
What happens if you die without a will in California?
According to The Conversation, an astounding 68% of the U.S. population lack a will. Many people put it off, believing they have plenty of time to do so since they are young. However, according to a group convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and...
Should you leave your ex-spouse in your estate plan following divorce?
When you get a divorce, one of the first things you’ll do is update your estate plan to remove your spouse from it. Your now ex-spouse usually will not remain in your estate plan unless there is a specific reason that you would like to keep them on as a beneficiary in...
Estate planning to protect your children
If you are a parent, you will want to make sure that your children are always financially secure, no matter what age they are. Therefore, when you start planning your estate, it is likely that this will be your biggest priority, especially if your children are still...
Can you choose to disinherit someone in a California estate plan?
You have worked hard and made difficult decisions throughout your life to build up your financial resources. You may have skipped going on vacation for years so that you could put that money aside for your retirement instead. Those assets you've acquired during your...